The construction supplies scattered throughout Dantius Towers provided excellent cover for Shepard and her team. Unfortunately, they also provided excellent cover for the mercenaries swarming throughout the building.

Shepard finished off the last merc firing on her position and turned to check on her teammates; they had the situation well under control. She smiled and shook her head as she watched Miranda. Only Miranda would consider skin-tight leather and knee-high, high-heeled boots appropriate battle gear.

Garrus was another story; Linda loved to watch him in action. He was a kick-ass sniper, but was just as good in close-quarters combat. She watched him whenever she could – like now. The way he crouched behind cover, knelt to steady his shots, vaulted over obstacles; he was so graceful, so masculine, so damn sexy.

Garrus sensed her watching, turned and looked directly at her. He grinned and gave her a nod. She nodded back, trying to ignore the warm feeling in her stomach that she got whenever he looked at her like that.

"Good work, you two!" she called out. "Let's move on. We still need to find Krios."

"Aye, aye Commander" came two responses.

####

Garrus watched Shepard battle the Eclipse Vanguard, one-on-one. He was prepared to help if needed, but knew the asari didn't stand a chance. He was right; she was dead within seconds. Shepard quickly scouted the area for ammo and any other resources that could be salvaged. He chuckled – he didn't think her red and purple camo armor was particularly stealthy, but it was definitely her. There were many words he could use to describe Shepard, but "subtle" wasn't one of them.

Shepard turned, blue eyes meeting grey. She cocked one eyebrow and winked at him; he smiled back. At this level in the towers, the exterior walls were unfinished; the wind ruffled her sweat-soaked hair. She is beautiful, Garrus thought. He felt a familiar heat spreading through his body. C'mon Vakarian, keep your cool, he thought as he urged his body to comply; his traitorous body ignored him completely. A hard-on and body armor just don't mix, he thought with a sigh as he walked to meet Shepard.

####

Garrus was already in Shepard's cabin when she got there. He was working on something on the table in the sitting area, but looked up when she came in.

"So, how is our newest team member?" he asked.

"Thane is interesting; I've never met a Drell before. He has settled into the Life Support room."

"Life Support?" Garrus asked curiously. "That's an odd location isn't it?"

"It's more appropriate than you know. Apparently the Life Support room is the most arid part of the ship, which gives him some relief from his symptoms."

"Symptoms? That doesn't sound good."

"Thane has Kepral's Syndrome. The Drell originated on an arid world; when it began dying, the Hanar transported as many of them as possible to their home world. However, the long-term exposure to the humid climate on Kahje causes Kepral's Syndrome; it prevents the Drell's lungs from being able to take in oxygen and eventually spreads to the other organs. There is no cure. Thane is dying; he told me that he still has several months to live. He seems to have made peace with his death, but I sense a deep sadness in him."

"Dying." Garrus shook his head. "Gee, Shepard – you really know how to pick 'em."

"Laugh it up, Garrus," Shepard replied. "I picked you didn't I?"

"Yeah – you did. Thanks."

"As much as I would like to stuff the Illusive Man's balls down his throat, I am eternally grateful to him for sending me to recruit you, Archangel." Shepard smiled and reached out to stroke his mandible.

Garrus grabbed Shepard's arm and pulled her down on the couch next to him. "I've noticed that you can't seem to keep your eyes off of me," he teased.

"Actually, Officer Vakarian, I watch all of my team members. I need to see how everyone is doing and how well they work together," Shepard responded. "However," she continued with a smile, "I watch you because I like the way you move." Garrus grinned. "I just wish you didn't catch me at it every time," she grumbled. "Then again, I seem to catch you watching me fairly often too."

"What can I say? I have a thing for women in body armor."

"Why, you…" Shepard began. Before she could finish her sentence, Garrus laughed and pulled her to him in a hug, which she gladly returned.

Settling beside him on the couch, Shepard asked "What were you doing when I came in?"

Garrus held up one hand for her inspection. "I was filing my talons. I keep them blunted when working with non-turian crews; less chance of an accident that way. It's also easier on the gloves." As he talked, he began pulling his gloves back on.

Shepard reached out and stopped him. "No, leave them off. I've never seen you exposed before." Garrus chuckled; Linda blushed. "Wait – that sounded bad." She elbowed him as he continued to chuckle. "What I mean is - I've never seen your hands without gloves." She took his hand in both of hers and examined it closely.

"What's the verdict?" Garrus asked cautiously.

"You have nice hands; very strong," Shepard said as she stroked his hand and fingers.

"You don't mind my rough skin?" Garrus sounded surprised.

"Not at all. Actually, your skin reminds me of well-worn leather. Yes, it's rougher than human skin, but rough can be nice." Shepard felt herself blushing again.

Pretending not to notice, Garrus leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers briefly. He then pulled her close and settled her in the crook of his arm. They both sighed. Garrus began slowly running the fingers of his hand through Shepard's hair. She pulled his other hand to her lips, kissed it, and sighed again.

"What's the human word for this? Snuddling?" Garrus asked. He could hear the smile in Shepard's voice as she replied.

"Close. There are actually two words: 'snuggling' or 'cuddling'; they both mean basically the same thing."

Continuing to run his fingers through her hair, Garrus said "Snuggling is nice."

"Very nice," Linda agreed.

Tonight, snuggling was enough for both of them.